ECU’s newest recycling truck runs on CNG
East Carolina University’s newest recycling truck is quieter and more efficient thanks to compressed natural gas (CNG).
Terry Little, recycling coordinator with ECU Facilities Services, said the decision to purchase a CNG truck made sense for several reasons.
ECU’s newest recycling truck, powered by compressed natural gas, is quieter and more efficient than diesel. (ECU photos)
“There are a lot of benefits to compressed natural gas,” Little said. “This is our first CNG truck in Facilities Services, and this truck is quieter than the diesel trucks. It burns cleaner, which means that it reduces our greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20%. We can expect a longer lifespan, lower maintenance costs, and the CNG fuel costs less than diesel.”
Since the truck will operate around dorms and classrooms, the quieter operation is a big plus, Little said.
“It’s like night and day — you can barely hear it running,” he said.
Little said his department consulted with ECU Transit, which added CNG buses to its fleet several years ago. The university contracts with Greenville Utilities Commission to use its CNG fueling stations.
The CNG truck will be dedicated to recycling service and will collect about 250,000 pounds of cardboard per year, running five days a week.
ECU Creative Services designed the graphics for the truck, touting the advantages of CNG power.
Little said the truck carried a higher initial cost than a comparable diesel vehicle but is a smart investment in the long term.
“The fuel cost is lower than diesel and we can expect it to stay that way,” he said. “It’s a better vehicle all around, and for long-term use, it’s just obviously the right thing to do.”
The graphics for the truck, which tout the benefits of CNG power, were designed by ECU Creative Services.
-by Jules Norwood, ECU News Services